Partners Can Help Spot Breast Cancer Warning Signs in Men, Doctor Says
Partners can help notice unusual breast or chest changes in men and women, but such observations should prompt medical assessment rather than be viewed as a way to prevent breast cancer.
Dr Ernestina Pratt of the Thinking Pink Breast Cancer Foundation made the remarks during an interview on AYV’s Wake Up Sierra Leone programme on Thursday, Oct. 8, 2026.
Pratt was responding to a discussion about the belief that intimate partners can identify breast abnormalities through physical contact.
She said the idea is based on the assumption that partners are familiar with each other’s bodies and may therefore notice changes that were not previously present.
Pratt said the same principle applies to men, who can also develop breast cancer despite having less breast tissue than women.
She cited cases seen at Cornell Hospital involving male patients who arrived with advanced breast abnormalities, including ulcerated lumps.
According to Pratt, clinicians have questioned whether some of these changes could have been noticed earlier by the patients or their partners.
She said greater awareness among both men and women could encourage people to seek medical attention when they notice an unusual change.
The American Cancer Society says men can develop breast cancer and may experience symptoms such as a lump or swelling, changes to the nipple or skin, or nipple discharge.
Research involving the Thinking Pink Breast Cancer Foundation also shows that men are part of the population requiring breast-health awareness. A 2026 study presented through the American Association for Cancer Research reported that the foundation and its partners screened 1,249 males between 2012 and 2024, alongside 19,719 females.
The foundation says its work includes breast-health education, awareness campaigns, clinical screening and support for people affected by breast cancer in Sierra Leone.
Pratt’s comments do not establish intimate contact as a medical screening or prevention method. Rather, the emphasis is on recognising unusual changes and seeking professional care promptly.